Chicago January 2025

Chicago January 2025 Events

Chicago January 2025 Events

Start off the New Year in Chicago

Average temperature low and high: 22° - 32°
Don't let the chilly temperatures of January stop you from having fun in Chicago. The Windy City is big on ice skating at one of several parks (including an indoor rink at Navy Pier) and lighting up the Morton Arboretum at night for a dazzling walk-through. If it gets too cold, there are many unique indoor activities, like enjoying a candlelight concert, visiting the Museum of Ice Cream, and exploring the Art Institute of Chicago. For an authentic winter experience, dine in one of Chicago's adorable outdoor igloos. New events are always being added, so check back here soon.

January Event Calendar

ZooLights

ZooLights

More than a million lights illuminate Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo in one of the city's greatest holiday traditions - ZooLights. As guests take in the lights throughout the zoo, they can also visit many of the animal exhibits that stay open into the night. Arts, crafts, and many more holiday-themed activities scatter the zoo in a unique and breathtaking nocturnal setting. Tickets for Zoolights can be bought online, and Monday is a free-entry day. An online reservation is still required, nonetheless, even on free-entry days. There are special shows on specific nights, including opening night and New Year's Eve.

Chicago Boat Show

Chicago Boat Show

The Chicago Boat Show displays an extensive collection of boat brands and various activities for people of all ages. Children can participate in the Huck Finn Trout Pond or the Chicago Maritime Arts Center Build-a-Boat. Adults can relax at the Corona Find Your Beach Bar & Cantina while listening to musical guest Todd Donnelly of the Mr. Myers Band. Other activities include Sand Pirates at McCormick Place Beach, Paddlefest Pool, and Gypsey Rose III Landship.

Tickets are on sale now. Adult tickets are $13 online and $15 onsite. Children under 12 years are free with the purchase of a general admission ticket​​.

Cubs Convention

Cubs Convention

Winners or losers, one thing's for sure: Cub fans are die-hard fans. They're so die-hard that they host an annual 3-day convention celebrating their beloved Cubs. The event will feature meet-and-greets and autograph signings with players, interactive exhibits, tons of vendors, unique panels, and the popular Cubs Bingo night.

Brick Fest Live

Brick Fest Live

Experiencing Brick Fest Live will be like visiting the LEGO Wonderland of your childhood dreams. On a cross-country tour that will stop in Chicago for two days, this event will feature LEGO exhibitions, live interactive stage shows, intricate and life-sized models, building activities and competitions, photo ops, exclusive and rare merchandise, and lots more. Tickets range from $19.99-$39.99; they can be purchased online. 

Learn more.

Tomorrow Never Knows Music Festival

Tomorrow Never Knows Music Festival

Since it was founded in 2002, locals and visitors have braved the Chicago cold for this music festival. Hosted at independent venues across the city, Tomorrow Never Knows is a celebration of the best rising local indie artists as well as national comedy and music acts, taking place from January 17-21, 2024. Multiple venues across Chicago will be hosting, including Metro, Schubas, and others. Tickets generally range from $12-$25 for general admission​​​.

Restaurant Week

Restaurant Week

Chicago Restaurant Week is a 17-day celebration of the Windy City's award-winning culinary culture and the perfect opportunity to sample some of the area's best eateries. Starting January 19, there will be special prix fixe menus at restaurants throughout the city and nearby suburbs. The multi-course meals offered are $25 for brunch or lunch and $42 and/or $59 for dinner. This exciting culinary celebration kicks off with First Bites Bash, an exclusive tasting event at the city's famed Field Museum. Participants TBA in mid-December. 

Boozin' In Your Onesie Bar Crawl

January is a cold month in Chicago, but who wants to let the cold weather stop the fun from going on? Luckily, on two separate dates, there's a way to hop around to some of the most fantastic bars in the Chicago area with the organizers of crawl with us, all while still bundled in your comfiest onesie. Crawl admission tickets start at $10 to $15. Prices depend on availability. The fee includes waived door charges, up to 50% off of drinks, 25% off of select foods-themed drinks, top DJs at the selected bars, on-site staff guiding the crawl, and more. A digital bar map will be sent to attendees during the fest. More info and tickets can be found online.

Chicago Restaurant Week

Chicago Restaurant Week

Chicago Restaurant Week is a 17-day culinary celebration featuring over 300 top restaurants throughout the city. Enjoy special prix fixe menus for brunch, lunch, and dinner. From January 20th to February 5th, 2024, indulge in various cuisines and explore the city's award-winning culinary scene. Restaurants can be viewed on the official website, and reservations are highly encouraged. Book early for the ultimate dining experience during Chicago Restaurant Week.

Mac & Cheese Crawl-Chicago's Cheesiest Bar Crawl

Mac & Cheese Crawl-Chicago\'s Cheesiest Bar Crawl

What's better than a serving of mac & cheese to keep you warm during one of Chicago's coldest months? Seven servings while drinking and bar hopping during the Mac & Cheese Crawl. In addition to plates of cheesy goodness, tickets to the crawl will include specialty drinks, giveaways, and more.

Polar Bear Plunge

Polar Bear Plunge

Raise money for struggling Chicago families by participating in the 2024 Chicago Polar Bear Plunge. After a quick jump into the icy waters, celebrate your achievement with food, drinks, raffles, and other entertainment on the shore.

Chicago Events in January

Concerts

Theater & Headliners

Sports

Nightclubs

Things to do in Chicago

Things to Do in Chicago in January

Visit The Garfield Park Conservatory

Visit The Garfield Park Conservatory
Break up the grey monotony of January with a visit to the vibrant flowers in the Garfield Park Conservatory.  The contained area is significantly warmer than outside, and you have the opportunity to see beautiful plants from around the world and stunning statues.  It's a soothing afternoon before you venture back into the wind.

Enjoy A Cocktail In An Igloo

Enjoy A Cocktail In An Igloo
You don't have to miss seeing the stunning Chicago skyline at night just because of the cold.  Enjoy a few cocktails in igloos at the Kennedy Rooftop - it's outside cocktails without outside weather.  The clear igloos are completely heated so that you can stay comfortable and enjoy the night.